Automobile-top frame



Nov. 27,1923 1,475,421 G. E. BISIHOP AUTOMOBILE TOP FRAME Filed May 1, 1920 2 SheetsSheet 1 izzreeziozv 650265 f fi/MOP W W 611W I G. E. BISHOP AUTOMOBILE TOP FRAME Nov. 27

Filed May 1. 1920 2' Sheets-Sheet 2 jbzrenioz':

Patented Nov. 27, 1923.

PATENT OFFICE.-

GEORGE E. BISHOP, 0F CLEVELAND, OHIO.

AUTOMOBILE-TOP FRAME.

Application filed May 1,

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE E. BISHOP, a citizen of the United States, resident of Cleveland, county of Cuyahoga, and State of Ohio, have invented new and useful Improvements in Automobile Top- Frames, of which the following is a specification, the principle of the invention being herein explained and the best mode in which I have contemplated applying that principle, so as todistinguish it from other inventions.

My invention relates to automobile tops, and particularly to rigid frames for said tops. The object of the invention is to design apparatus of this character which shall be economical, easily assembled,vof pleasing appearance and render efficient service.

The annexed drawings and the following description set forthin detail certain means embodying my invention, the disclosed means, however, constituting but one of the various mechanical forms in which the principle of the invention may be employed.

In said annexed drawings:

Figure 1 represents a plan View of a frame embodying my invention;

Figure 2 represents a side elevation of a type of frame adapted for a roadster;

Figure 3 represents a partial plan view, showing a frame covered with wire netting;

Figure 4 represents a side elevation of the frame disclosed in Figure 1;

Figure 5 represents a rear elevation of said frame;

Figure 6 represents a fragmentary side elevation showing a modified form of bearing and supporting member for said frame; and

Figure 7 represents a fragmentary transverse cross-section of said frame, after padding, covering and linings have been applied thereto, said cross-section being upon an enlarged scale.

Referring to the annexed drawings, there are indicated by the ordinals 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, suggestions of a standard automobile body, doors therefor, a curtain adapted to be mounted. upon the 'door and carried in and out therewith, and a windshield. My invention relates to a frame for a top supported upon said body 1. Said frame consists of longitudinal side members 5 and 6 composed preferably of angle iron of about 1 inch x 1 inch x inch dimensions, so disposed that one arm of the 1920. Serial No. 378,186.

angle lies in a horizontal plane upon the top, and the other arm is presented to the interior of the car, as plainly shown in Figur 7. Secured to and supported by such side members 5 and 6 by rivets 8 and 18, is a curved transverse front Wood frame member 7, the same being both under-cut and interiorly cut at each end, as indicated by 9 and 10, Figures 1 and 4, so that the same is locked within and under the front ends of the side angles 5 and 6, as plainly shown in said figures. Mounted upon said side and front members 5, 6 and 7 is a comparatively wide wood member 11 having th upper convex surface 12, and forming a vizor,-as plainly shown in Figures 2 and 4. Said vizor is secured tothe front member 7 and the side angles 5 and 6 by means of the angles 11 and the screws 11 Means are provided for mounting the frame upon the body 1, and the same consists of rigid bearing members formed of the crossed metal arms 19 and 20, plainly shown in Figure 4, the same being Welded together at their intersection 21, said members being preferably formed of 1%; inch x inch flat iron. These members 19 and 20 are secured at their bottom ends to the body 1 by means of the rivets 22, and the members 19 are secured at their top ends within the channels 5 and 6 by means of the rivets 23. A curved rear transverse wood member 25 is secured to the tops of the bearing members 20 by means of the rivets 24, said member 25 being undercut to provide a recess 26 within which said members 20 register. The rear ends of the frame members 5 and 6 are rigidly secured to the ends of said transverse rear member 25 by means of the rivets 27, Figure 4 The rear rigid bearing member forms the sole support for the frame.

A plurality of curved transverse wood frame members 16 are mounted at their ends upon the side frame members 5 and 6, to which they are rigidly secured by means of the angle plates 17 and the rivets 18. Intermediate longitudinal wood frame members extending from the vizor 11 to the rear transverse member 25 are provided, each of the same being preferably comprised of a plurality of brace members 28. These members 28 intersect the intermediate trans,

verse members 16, and said members 16 and 28 are both undercut to receive metal plates 29 secured to said members by means of the screws 30 whereby the ends of contiguous members 28 are rigidly secured together and said ends are also rigidly secured to the transverse members 16 at the respective intersections of said members 16 and 28. The members 28 are also likewise secured to the vizor 11 and the rear transverse member 25. A pair of vertical rear metal members 31 are provided, forming in effect a continuation of the horizontal intermediate longitudinal members 28, the same being formed preferably of 1 inch X ginch flat iron, and rigidly secured to the rear transverse member by means of the rivets 32. These rear vertical members are secured to the rear of the top of the body 1 by means of the rivets 33.

As plainly shown in Figure 7, a top fabric covering is provided for the frame, consisting of the material 34 tacked to the wood members 11 16, 25 and 28. An underlining 35 is also provided. I have also shown in Figure 7, padding 36, the same being secured immediately beneath the c vering 34c and extending from each of the side frame members 5 and 6 to the nearest adjacent longitudinal frame member 28, and secured and distributed above and between said members, substantially as shown in said Figure 7.

As plainly shown in Figure 3, one form of. my invention contemplates the provision of a wire netting 37 disposed immediately above and secured to the respective frame members proper to form a bed or support for the padding or covering to prevent bagging or sagging.

Upon the outer face of the vertical arm of the side angles 5 and 6 are secured buttons or fasteners 38, to which the several side curtains which are secured to the top may be fastened, one of said curtains being suggested by the ordinal 39, Figure 7 which is plates secured to said braces and the front,

rear and transverse members at their respective interstctions.

2. In an automobile top frame, the com bination of metal side members; a curved front wood member supported thereby; a wood vizor having an upper convex surface supported bysaid side and front members; intermediate transverse wood 'members mounted on said side members; supporting members for the frame; a curved rear wood member connected to said side members; intermediate longitudinal wood braces; and metal plates secured to said braces and the front, rear and transverse members at their respective intersections, said'braces and members being countersunk to receive said plates. Signed by me, this 20th day of April, 1920.

GEORGE E. BISHOP. 

